Comprised of representatives from every Division I conference, the Leadership Council supports the NCAA Board of Directors in identifying issues critical to the future of the NCAA, and it helps set the legislative agenda for the coming year. The Leadership Council also oversees a number of other NCAA committees, including the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee, the Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Committee, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Committee on Women's Athletics and all NCAA cabinets.

"This is further validation that Kirby is one of the finest athletic directors in the country," said Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance. "We are certainly proud of him and know that he will provide vision and leadership to this prestigious group."

Leadership Council responsibilities include: taking final action on matters delegated by the NCAA Board of Directors, making final recommendations to the board of directors on matters that it deems appropriate, suggesting policies to the board that are necessary to ensure proper management, overseeing Division I membership requirements and processes and coordinating strategic planning activities.

Hocutt joined the Texas Tech family as athletics director on March 2, 2011, after spending two years in the same role at the University of Miami. Prior to his time at Miami, he served as athletics director at Ohio University for three years.

One of the top leaders in collegiate athletics, Hocutt was recognized earlier in his career with Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal Forty Under 40 Award.

Since his arrival at Texas Tech, Hocutt has played a crucial role in conference realignment and has taken steps to increase the athletics operating budget and enhance the Texas Tech brand on the local, state and national level. With his leadership, a new athletic facilities master plan is being crafted while over $20 million in facility improvements have already been put into place.